Khajiit

The Khajiit are a feline race native to the province of Elsweyr in Tamriel. Known for their agility, cunning, and natural affinity for stealth, the Khajiit are a diverse and intriguing people with a rich culture shaped by their homeland, the moons, and their unique spirituality.

Physical Characteristics

The Khajiit are renowned for their distinct feline appearance, which varies greatly depending on the phases of Nirn's twin moons, Masser and Secunda, at the time of their birth. This lunar influence gives rise to various forms known as "furstocks," which range from the small, house cat-like Alfiq to the massive, Senche-Raht, commonmly known as Battlecat.
Despite their differing appearances, all Khajiit possess cat-like features such as fur, claws, and tails. Their fur can be a variety of colors and patterns, including stripes, spots, and solid coats. Khajiit have keen senses, particularly in vision and hearing, making them excellent hunters and scouts. Their sharp claws are often used in combat, and their natural agility allows them to move with speed and grace.

Cultural and Societal Traits

Governance and Politics

Elsweyr, the homeland of the Khajiit, is divided into two primary regions: Anequina in the north and Pelletine in the south. Historically, these regions were separate kingdoms but were unified into a single province under The Mane, a spiritual and political leader revered by all Khajiit. The Mane serves as both a ruler and a religious figure, embodying the unity and spirit of the Khajiit people. Local governance is typically handled by tribal leaders or clan chieftains, with the Mane overseeing the broader affairs of the province.

The Lunar Lattice and Furstocks

One of the most fascinating aspects of Khajiit culture is their deep connection to the moons, Masser and Secunda. The phases of these moons at the time of a Khajiit's birth determine their physical form, a phenomenon known as the Lunar Lattice or Ja-Kha'jay. There are over a dozen known furstocks, each with its own role and status within Khajiit society.
Suthay and Suthay-Raht: These are among the most common furstocks, resembling humanoid cats and often serving as traders, warriors, and adventurers.
Cathay and Cathay-Raht: Larger and stronger than the Suthay, these Khajiit are often found in roles that require physical prowess, such as soldiers or bodyguards.
Ohmes and Ohmes-Raht: These furstocks resemble humans more closely than other Khajiit and are often employed as diplomats and spies due to their ability to blend in with other races.
Alfiq: These small, quadrupedal Khajiit resemble domestic cats and are often underestimated due to their size. However, they are highly intelligent and capable of speech and magic, though they lack opposable thumbs.
The Khajiit believe that the Lunar Lattice is a reflection of their goddess, Azurah, who shaped them from the same raw materials as the other races of Nirn. Azurah's influence over the moons and the Khajiit is a cornerstone of their spiritual beliefs.

Khajiiti Furstocks

Religion and Beliefs

Khajiit spirituality revolves around the worship of a pantheon of gods, with Azurah being the most revered. According to Khajiit tradition, Azurah (Khajiiti Spelling of Azura) was responsible for creating the Khajiit, shaping them from the forms of the other races and giving them their unique connection to the moons. This belief system is deeply intertwined with the phases of the moons, which are seen as reflections of Azurah's will.
The Khajiit also revere Jone and Jode, the spirits of Masser and Secunda, who are seen as the guardians of their people. The Khajiit view these lunar deities as both protectors and guides, with their phases influencing every aspect of Khajiit life, from their physical forms to their fortunes.
Another significant deity in Khajiit culture is Nirni, the spirit of the mortal world, who is often seen as a mother figure. Nirni is credited with giving the Khajiit their home in Elsweyr, a land of deserts and jungles that reflects both the harshness and beauty of their existence.
Namriia, known as the "Great Darkness," holds a complex place within Khajiit spirituality. As a Daedric Prince associated with darkness, shadows, and the spirit of death, Namiira is both feared and respected. The Khajiit believe that Namiira governs the realm of the dead and the darker aspects of the spirit world. While not openly worshiped in mainstream Khajiit society, Namiira's influence is acknowledged, especially in matters concerning the afterlife and the unseen forces that dwell in darkness. Tales and folklore often feature Namiira as a cautionary figure, reminding Khajiit of the perils of straying too far from the path of light and the ever-present nature of shadow in their lives.

The Mane

The Mane is a unique and central figure in Khajiit culture, acting as both a religious and political leader. Born once in a generation under a rare alignment of Masser and Secunda, the Mane is believed to embody the soul of the Khajiit people. The Mane's fur is traditionally woven with the manes of the Khajiit who come to pay homage, symbolizing the unity of their race.
The Mane plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between the various furstocks and ensuring harmony within Khajiit society. The position of the Mane is not just a title but a deeply spiritual role, with the Mane serving as the living connection between the Khajiit and their gods.

Khajiit Caravaner

Trade and Economy

Khajiit are known across Tamriel as skilled traders and merchants, with caravans traveling far beyond Elsweyr to sell their wares. They are adept at commerce, often dealing in rare goods, spices, moon sugar, and other valuable commodities. Moon sugar, a crystalline substance harvested from the cane of the Tenmar Forest, holds particular significance in Khajiit culture, both as a valuable trade good and a sacred substance believed to be a gift from the gods.
Despite their mercantile success, Khajiit traders often face suspicion and prejudice from other races, who view them as untrustworthy or criminal. This reputation, while not entirely deserved, has led to the Khajiit developing a strong sense of community and self-reliance, as well as a resilience to the challenges they face in the wider world.

Moon Sugar and Skooma

Moon Sugar is a crystalline substance refined from a form of sugar cane native to the Tenmar Forest of Elsweyr, central to Khajiit culture and economy. Revered as a divine gift from the lunar deities Jone and Jode, moon sugar is believed to be crystallized moonlight with magical properties. It is used in Khajiit cuisine, adding sweetness to dishes, and holds spiritual significance, often featured in religious rituals to honor the gods.
However, moon sugar's darker side emerges when it is refined into skooma, a highly addictive and illegal narcotic. Skooma produces intense euphoria but leads to severe physical and mental deterioration. Its addiction has caused widespread suffering in Khajiit society, leading to criminal activity and internal strife.
While the skooma trade is lucrative, it has also brought conflict and challenges to Elsweyr, reflecting the complex duality of moon sugar as both a sacred substance and a source of societal ills.

Names

Many Khajiit names contain a prefix or suffix (e.g. Vasha). Khajiit names do not necessarily contain an apostrophe, but are most commonly written that way e.g (Ja'Zargo, Ma'abhi). Common prefixes and suffixes are shown below:

Female prefixes and suffixes

• Daro: Thief, clever, ingenious.
• Dra: Grandmother, matriarch, wise female.
• Ko: Mage, healer, illustrious female ancestors.
• Ja: Chief.
• La: Unmarried female.
• Ka: Married female.

Male prefixes and suffixes

• Dar: Thief, clever, ingenious.
• Dro: Grandfather, patriarch, wise male.
• Jo: Mage, scholar, illustrious male ancestor.
• Ra: Chief (military unit, clan).
• Ri: Kings, Mane (very rare title, always male).
• Da: Unmarried male.

Nonspecific prefixes and suffixes

• Do: Warrior, respected fighter.
• J/Ja/Ji: Young adult, bachelor.
• M/Ma: Child, apprentice.
• Qa: Unknown meaning.
• S: Adult.
• Sa: Unknown meaning.
• Sha: Unknown meaning.

Notable Historical Events

The Elsweyr Confederacy

The formation of the Elsweyr Confederacy is a key event in Khajiit history, marking the unification of the previously separate kingdoms of Anequina and Pelletine. This unification was largely driven by the Mane, who sought to bring peace and stability to the Khajiit people following years of internal conflict and external threats. The Confederacy allowed the Khajiit to better resist foreign incursions and maintain their independence in the face of Imperial expansion.

The Knahaten Flu

The Knahaten Flu, a deadly plague that swept through Tamriel during the Second Era, had a devastating impact on Elsweyr. The disease decimated Khajiit populations, particularly in the southern regions. The Flu's aftermath left deep scars on Khajiit society, leading to a period of economic hardship and social unrest. However, the help the Khajiit recieved from the Altmer helped sow the seeds of trust in High Elves that eventually led to Elsweyr joining the Aldmeri Dominion in the Fourth Era.

The Void Nights

The Void Nights were a mysterious and catastrophic event in Khajiit history that occurred between 4E 98 and 4E 100, during which the moons Masser and Secunda disappeared from the night sky. For the Khajiit, whose culture and very identity are tied to the Lunar Lattice, this event was deeply traumatic, as they believed the moons to be the physical manifestations of their gods, Jone and Jode.
During the Void Nights, the Khajiit feared that their gods had abandoned them, and chaos spread across Elsweyr. The Lunar Lattice was disrupted, leading to confusion and despair among the Khajiit, as many believed that their ability to reproduce would be affected, and that the loss of the moons could signify the end of their race. This period saw a rise in apocalyptic cults, political instability, and widespread panic.
The Void Nights ended as suddenly as they began, with the moons reappearing in the sky after two long years. The Thalmor, the ruling faction of the Aldmeri Dominion, claimed responsibility for the return of the moons, asserting that they had restored them through their magical prowess. This claim significantly bolstered the Thalmor's influence in Elsweyr, leading to the eventual dissolution of the Elsweyr Confederacy and the establishment of Anequina and Pelletine as client states under the Dominion’s control. Whether the Thalmor's claim was true or merely a strategic move to gain power remains a matter of speculation and debate among scholars and many Khajiit themselves.
The Void Nights remain a pivotal moment in Khajiit history, a time when their faith was tested, and their society was irrevocably changed. The event is still remembered with a mixture of fear and reverence, and it continues to influence Khajiit culture, politics, and their relationship with the Aldmeri Dominion.

The Oblivion Crisis

The Oblivion Crisis was a catastrophic event in the late Third Era when Daedric forces invaded Tamriel, including Elsweyr. Oblivion Gates opened across the province, unleashing devastation upon Khajiit cities and villages. Despite their agility and combat prowess, the Khajiit struggled against the overwhelming Daedric onslaught, with many communities destroyed or displaced. Even after the crisis ended, its aftermath left Elsweyr weakened, contributing to the province’s vulnerability and eventual political shifts, including the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion. The Crisis remains a somber chapter in Khajiit history, marking both their resilience and the enduring threat of Daedric power.

The Aldmeri Dominion

Elsweyr has historically had a complex relationship with the Aldmeri Dominion, an alliance of Elves that has sought to exert influence over the Khajiit. The Dominion's rule over Elsweyr has been marked by periods of cooperation and resistance, with some Khajiit welcoming the stability and protection offered by the Dominion, while others chafe under what they see as foreign domination.
The dissolution of the Elsweyr Confederacy in the Fourth Era was a significant turning point in the relationship between Elsweyr and the Aldmeri Dominion. The Confederacy was split into two client states—Anequina and Pelletine—by the Thalmor, the ruling body of the Dominion. This division was intended to weaken Khajiit unity and make it easier for the Dominion to exert control over the region. While the Thalmor provided support to these new kingdoms, many Khajiit viewed this as a betrayal of their sovereignty, leading to increased tension and resistance within Elsweyr. The political fragmentation of the Khajiit further complicated their relationship with the Dominion, as different factions within Elsweyr held varying degrees of loyalty to their Elven overlords.
During the Third Aldmeri Dominion, the Khajiit were key allies of the Dominion, providing vital support in both military and economic matters. However, the relationship between the Khajiit and their Elven allies has always been one of careful balance, with the Khajiit seeking to maintain their autonomy and cultural identity.

Attributes

Khajiit are known for their agility, stealth, and sharp senses. Their natural abilities make them excellent thieves, assassins, and scouts. Many Khajiit are also skilled in the use of magic, particularly in the schools of Illusion and Alteration. Their physical diversity, dictated by the phases of the moons, allows them to adapt to various roles within society, from warriors to scholars. Khajiit are also naturally charismatic, with a talent for persuasion and trade that serves them well in their mercantile endeavors.

Conclusion

The Khajiit of Elsweyr are a proud and resilient people, deeply connected to the moons and their homeland. Their unique culture, shaped by the Lunar Lattice and their reverence for Azurah, Jone, and Jode, sets them apart from the other races of Tamriel. Despite facing challenges such as prejudice, disease, and foreign domination, the Khajiit have maintained their identity and continue to thrive in the diverse world of Tamriel. Whether as traders, warriors, or spiritual leaders, the Khajiit embody a balance of grace, cunning, and strength that reflects the ever-changing phases of the moons they hold so dear.

Female Khajiit Mage

Khajiit Male

• Singular: Khajiit
• Plural: Khajiit
• Adjective: Khajiiti